CXCR4 and thyroid cancer: Since FUCA-1 expression down-regulates genes involved in pathways related to the epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as CXCR4, Rho GEFs, tyrosine kinase receptors, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Yap/Taz, and Notch, it is conceivable that loss of FUCA-1 is required in thyroid cancer cells for acquiring an invasive phenotype.